In a recent report, titled “Cybersecurity of Medical Imaging Equipment,” DITTA—the Global Diagnostic Imaging, Healthcare IT and Radiation Therapy Trade Association—urged stakeholders in the medical imaging equipment sector to be vigilant in maintaining cybersecurity measures. The report also reemphasized the association’s commitment to cybersecurity.
According to DITTA officials, the report is being published at a time where breaches in security may have compromised patient safety and confidentiality of patient data.
DITTA Chair Satoshi Kimura spoke out about the issue, saying: “The medical imaging equipment industry takes its responsibilities in cybersecurity very seriously. The insights delivered by ‘big data ‘analysis are placing us at the threshold of major advances in care. If we are to realize this opportunity, then stakeholders must be convinced that their personal data is being handled safely and securely.”
Kimura stresses that DITTA will act as a resource for cybersecurity standards and regulations in the sector, in addition to collaborating with regulatory and professional organizations that represent medical imaging and health IT professionals.
Furthermore, DITTA’s white paper sets out the principles of current best practices for manufacturers and suppliers. It states that no single stakeholder is responsible for cybersecurity alone—instead, equipment manufacturers and hospital IT departments need to work hand-in-hand to implement these approaches.
This paper also points to security risks from increased connectivity. Medical imaging equipment, in line with all computer systems, is increasingly networked through hospital Intranet and the Internet. This poses its own security risks through network intrusions. The report strongly recommends establishing clearly defined processes for effective cyber prevention, and training all relevant staff to implement and maintain them effectively.
Visit DITTA’s website for more information.
